Research has evaluated the relative profitability of variable-rate versus uniform-rate application of a single input in fields with multiple management zones. This paper addresses the variable-rate decision for multiple inputs. The decision-making framework is evaluated for nitrogen and water...

Soil acidity and cotton yields are influenced by cover crop, nitrogen, and tillage method. Applying half the recommended lime rate may be possible without reducing cotton yields. Using a nitrogen intensive cover crop and applying less nitrogen should mitigate the effects on soil acidity and yields.

Costs differ among variable rate application systems. Most feasible in Tennessee are the 1-bin and 2-bin spreader beds mounted to existing chassis with an owner-added variable rate controller and global positioning system. Truck spreader systems required more acreage or larger custom charges...

This research evaluated the factors that influenced cotton producers to adopt remote sensing for variable rate application of inputs. Farmers who were younger, more highly educated, had a larger farm operation, and were more technologically savvy were more likely to have adopted remote sensing.

This research analyzed the adoption of Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) and handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) devices in cotton production. Analysis using a logit model found that younger farmers who used a crop consultant, remote-sensing, variable-rate fertilizer, and reported greater...

Interactions among nitrogen (N) fertilization rate, N source, and disease severity can affect mean yield and yield variance in conservation tillage wheat production. A Just-Pope model was used to evaluate the effects of N rate, N source, and disease on the spring N-fertilization decision....

Producers lack information about the profitability of variable rate technology (VRT) for agricultural sprayers. An economic framework was developed to evaluate the returns required to pay for VRT investments. Payback variables included input savings, yield gains, and reduced application costs....

This article examines what differentiates "socially responsible" farmers (i.e., those who rank environmental benefits higher than profit, based on a Likert style ranking) from farmers who make decisions based solely on financial criteria. A proportional odds model (POM) is proposed to estimate...

Profit-maximizing nitrogen rates were determined for two bermudagrass hay producers, one who considers nitrate toxicity to cattle and one who does not consider nitrate toxicity. Producing bermudagrass hay with a reduced probability of nitrate toxicity requires a $6.02/ton premium to breakeven...

Irrigation is expensive in Tennessee because of small, irregular fields. We calculated the breakeven corn prices for irrigated corn in Tennessee. Breakeven prices were $4.02-$7.94/bu depending on field size, energy source, and energy price. At current prices, irrigated corn is profitable, but...